- Henri Nouwen

Nearly two days after her intense illness, Rhea immediately felt as if she were getting better. Her complexion had slowly gained back its radiance and she once again looked normal and healthy. In fact, she felt better than before she was sick, she reveled in this newfound energy.

Hadrian had finally stopped his worrying and was no longer being a tyrant to everyone in their household. He had spent as much time as he could with her and she couldn’t have felt better. The sickness had been emotionally and physically exhausting, but after the worst had passed, she settled back into her daily routine.

Much to Hadrian’s delight, she had finally risen from bed and was now taking control of her wifely duties, organizing the household from its past disarray.

Rhea was currently listening to the cook as she described that evening’s meal, as Rhea’s father and mother, Leia and her kin, along with Beth, and Lord Dalting were invited for supper. Rhea was excited with the rush of activity, happy to see her friends after a long awaited time.

“We’ got quite the party this eve, yur ladyship. Glad that I am for it, ‘tis nice of a change.” Mrs. Wilson stated happily.

“I agree, I am happy now that all of this dreaded states have passed.” Rhea nodded. She listened on as Mrs. Wilson continued with tonights.

“We got fresh venison from the market, we did, and crisp bread. Another batch of those cakes from the bakery, too.” The cook nodded, satisfactorily.

“Good, that all sounds wonderful, Mrs. Wilson. I am sure we are all looking forward to this meal.” Rhea praised. After commenting a little more, she wandered off to instruct the house staff in preparing the drawing rooms and Hadrian’s study for the men and women afterwards.

Once she had done all that she possibly could and the time of the evening meal grew nearer, she wandered above stairs with Lily’s ushering and started her bath. As she was soaking in the warm tub, a door opened.

“It’s quite alright, Lily, I’ve got it from here.” She called out, wanting some time to herself.

“I do not think so,” a deeper voice commented. Rhea’s eyes popped open in delighted surprise.

“Hadrian,” she whispered. She had not seen him all day, not even a glance. He had told her he would be quite busy as important matters came up, those of she did not know. She was still surprised though, because of how different it had been with him not present with her all day.

She had missed him.

“Rhea,” he smiled softly, his gaze dipped down to the water that most of her body was emerged in. “I am astonished to see you in such a predicament where you need my help the most.”

Rhea’s eyes widened as she watched Hadrian remove his clothing, placing them on a woodened stool near the door. “Hadrian . . . I do not think it is wise . . .”

His dress shirt came off, shrugged off his musculature shoulders.

“. . . to do this right now . . .”

His pants came off, dropping to the floor.

“. . . as we have guests . . . coming tonight . . . oh, goodness, Hadrian.” She panted softly.

He was no longer wearing any clothing atall and Rhea was breathless as he approached the tub, easing himself directly in front of her. He moved his strong legs under her and pulled her own above his and around his hips. She was perched right on top of him.

“H-Hadrian?” she stuttered as her heart fluttered erratically.

“Mmm . . .” he hummed low, leaning forward and pressing a brief kiss on her lips and then down to her neck. In that progression, Rhea had lost all thought, all her protest evaporated between them as he shifted against her; his skin sliding against hers.

His lips traveled lower and Rhea’s hands reached up to grasp his hair tightly in her clenched fists. Her body shifted restlessly, unsatisfied with his slow movements – needing something, anything from him.

“Oh, please,” she whispered. The ache in her chest and in between her legs strengthened and she felt as if she would die if he did not take her.

“Shh . . . easy now, love,” he soothed, his hands slid along her body and dipping into the water to reach her other parts. She gasped when his hands brushed her stomach, pressing down lightly. “What is it that you need?”

His lips brushed that sweet spot right below her ear and shivers broke out along her skin that had nothing to do with the now lukewarm water. He continued his ministrations and she desperately tried to utter some type of words to him.

“Tell me, Rhea,” he demanded, his lips and hands giving more pressure to various areas on her body, leaving her a shaking, moaning mess.

“I need you,” she cried out, as his hand reached the place she needed him most.

“And so you shall have me,” he muttered, showing her how much she truly needed him, beyond their physical joy.

***

About half an hour later, Hadrian and Rhea descended appearing radiant and happy, ready to greet their guests for the evening. Rhea was absolutely brimming with excitement, other than the failed attempt at having a successful evening sup with the Brighton’s, this would be the first actual evening meal held at the manor that Rhea would organize. And most importantly, it would be between friends.

Rhea fiddled with her hands and she felt her left cheek burning up with Hadrian’s gaze, she turned to him enquiringly.

“What is the matter? Is something amiss?” she asked worriedly. Hadrian smiled.

“Rhea, be at peace, you look breathtaking.” He complimented. Rhea’s lungs collapsed and she couldn’t breathe. Hadrian always shocked her with the things he said, but those words truly touched her. As she opened her mouth to give her gratitude, Clarke arrived, announcing their first guests.

“Lord Bishop and Lady Evangeline Edmond, accompanied with their daughter Lady Leia Edmond.”

Rhea grinned at her friend and smiled warmly at her godmother and godfather. The Hemmingway’s and Edmond’s had always been close. In fact, Rhea and Leia’s father had fought in the First Anglo-Ashanti War in 1824, according to her father it had been a long and bitter war.

Ever since then, Abraham and Bishop have been close friends, along with Lucinda and Evangeline. Leia and Rhea would be told their parent’s story about how each were fortunate to find love in what was supposed to be a loveless marriage.

Abraham and Bishop were also similar in stature, both were tall and burly, that uniquely hadn’t aged with them. They were also warm and fatherly, Rhea loved both her father and godfather. Despite their misgivings, Rhea would never begrudge her parents for long.

Evangeline was also a beauty, she was timeless in her youth and displayed those qualities with wisdom over the years. Her long light brown hair was in a French pleat twisted in a chignon, sitting gracefully atop her head. Her green eyes shimmered in the lighting. Rhea had always thought Evangeline would be similar to what an angel would look like.

Lord Edmond approached them with warmth, “Lord and Lady Vale, we offer our thanks for the invitation, it was a pleasant surprise.”

“We accept your offer, though the credit goes solely to my wife. She was the one to organize this gathering.” Hadrian answered humbly. Bishop shifted his gaze to Rhea.

“My dear, it has been quite a while since we’ve been gifted with your presence.”

Rhea smiled, “Oh, Uncle, please, I cannot bear the guilt. I am dreadfully sorry for my absence, my recent illness has confined me to my home.”

Bishop became grave, “I heard, I am only glad that it has passed and will no longer give you a reason to avoid us. Perhaps your husband, Lord Vale-”

Hadrian shook his head, “Please, Lord Edmond, I insist you call me Hadrian.”

“Alright,” Bishop nodded, “But I return the favor, perhaps you and Rhea wouldn’t mind visiting us soon, Evangeline has surely missed you, Rhea.”

Evangeline perked up, “I have, and we used to have tea at luncheon. I do miss it, but I am happy for your wedded circumstance, it pleases me to see you so happy.”

Rhea blushed, “Thank you, Aunt.” Hadrian engaged conversation with Bishop and Evangeline.

Leia made her way to Rhea’s side and gave her a long hug, “You have frightened me with you recent sickness.”

Rhea returned her hug, “I apologize, and it was indeed terrible.”

“Well, I can only imagine!” Leia exclaimed. Speaking more softly she said, “Your mother and father said that Hadrian was beside himself with worry, that he was an utter tyrant! I almost couldn’t believe it . . . but the way he looks at you cannot be denied.”

“Looks at me? What do you-” Rhea was cut off when Clarke announce her parents and Beth, along with Lord Dalting.

When the introductions and greetings were finally made, the party made their way to the dining hall and sat at the long, hand-crafted table. Ornaments laid all around the table, showing off the beauty of the decorated setting.

The French door curtain’s leading out to the garden were pulled aside, allowing the moon to shine onto the table divinely. The walls were also decorated with rich, artful paintings. Everything was absolutely magnificent, Rhea was proud of the hard work she’d done in two days’ time.

As she looked around at her friends and family, she was happy to see how incredibly happy they were to be attending her small evening supper. She glanced at Hadrian next to her and saw that he was in deep conversation with Lord Dalting. Though he sat next to her, she could not glean any information being passed between the two.

She was suspicious of the fact that Hadrian might be hiding something from her and she hoped that it would not affect them tremendously. Then again, self-doubt made their way into her heart, would Hadrian ever really let her in his heart or mind? She knew nothing significant of his past or his personal affairs. She was afraid that while she was giving her soul to him she would never get anything in return.